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Plans to curb zero-hours contracts in social care unveiled

Plans to curb the use of zero-hours contracts and protect care time in the social care sector have been unveiled by the Welsh Government.

Under proposals that were released on June 12, employers will need to offer workers in the domiciliary care sector on zero-hours contracts the choice of moving to a minimum hours contract after three months of continued employment, if there is ongoing demand for the work.

Social services minister Rebecca Evans said: "While some staff prefer zero-hours contracts, valuing the flexibility they can offer, for many the uncertainty and insecurity they pose can have a hugely detrimental impact on their lives.

"Crucially the plans we are putting out to consultation today will ensure employees have a choice. After three months of employment, they will be able to choose whether to move onto another zero-hours contract, or take up alternative contractual arrangements.

“The proposals I have unveiled today are not only intended to offer staff a fairer deal, but also to safeguard the quality of care and support people receive in their own homes. Research shows a link between the prevalence of zero-hours contracts and a reduced quality of care, due to issues around the continuity of care and communication between workers and those they support. I encourage anybody with a view on these important issues to contribute to our consultation.”

The consultation is available of the Welsh Government’s website and will run for eight weeks, until 7 August 2017. The announcement from Welsh Government is here and the actual consultation document is here.

CFW chair Mario Kreft appeared on the Wales evening news programmes and he was also on Good Morning Wales – listen here for June 12 at about 50 minutes in.